Journalist Pete O'Rourke has delivered his verdict on the Leeds United pursuit of RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams.
The lowdown: Replacement required?
The long-standing admiration in Adams has been ramped up a notch in recent weeks as reports continue to link Leeds' own Kalvin Phillips with a move away from Elland Road this summer.
Having worked successfully under Whites' boss Jesse March previously during their time together at Leipzig and in New York, the 23-year-old is unsurprisingly being viewed by many as being ideally suited to filling the void potentially left behind by Phillips.
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One respected journalist appears to share that same view and has offered his opinion on the transfer as Victor Orta continues to be hot on the trail of possible additions in Yorkshire...
The latest: 'Highest level...'
Speaking to Give Me Sport, O'Rourke suggested that Adams would be the perfect choice to succeed the 26-year-old Englishman in the heart of the Leeds midfield.
He said: “I think it’d be a great way to replace Phillips if they were to go out and buy someone like Tyler Adams, who’s an American International and has played at the highest level in the Champions League for RB Leipzig.
“So, somebody like that would sort of appease the fans who are maybe upset at the fact that Kalvin Phillips might be leaving to go to Manchester City.”
The verdict: Spot on
Should Leeds be unable to prevent Phillips' sale as now seems nigh on inevitable, Adams - a player clearly admired by Marsch - would be an adequate replacement for the 23-cap England man.
Capped on 19 occasions by the USA and having made 72 Bundesliga outings to go with 14 UEFA Champions League appearances, the former New York Red Bulls man has experienced a taste of the top-level action and should have little problem adapting to life in the Premier League.
Branded a 'machine' by MLS editor Dylan Butler, Adams boasts a very strong passing ability alongside impressive ball retention and aerial attributes (WhoScored).
Valued at just £15.3million despite being under contract in Germany until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the American represents an affordable and viable option to rejoin his compatriot Marsch and bolster the Leeds ranks this summer.